Chabad Berkeley’s prominent site on University Avenue is ideal for their dynamic tradition of outreach and community. Their welcoming of Jews for the fullness of life, regardless of affiliation or level of knowledge, establishes the program and organization of the building.

The ground levels is for social activities, with a large multipurpose hall spilling out onto the street, and milk and meat kitchens to feed the community accessed off the rear alley.

In the basement is a Mikvah for ritual cleansing with separate changing areas for men and women.

The second level houses four two bedroom apartments to welcome and accommodate visitors.

Above is the learning and teaching level, with meeting rooms, a flexible central gathering area for daily minyans and study, and an area dedicated to daycare connected to an outdoor porch at the rear.

Above is the sanctuary, accessed from a porch which overlooks University Ave, with another outdoor area at the rear connecting to the restrooms. The Bimah is the center of the community, with ark on the east, lit from the sky.

The rooftop is a Sukkah and Chuppah, supported by the four pylons which contain the circulation and services stacked on all levels of the building, and anchoring the building to the site.